Case Study 2: The Gunpowder Plotters Flashcards
Why were Catholics hopeful when James I came to the throne?
They hoped that King James (married to a Catholic) would allow more religious freedom.
When did James I of England come to power?
1603.
What did James do instead to laws against Catholics?
He introduced more laws that were much harsher than before towards Catholics since he was a Protestant.
What was the aim of the Gunpowder Plot?
A group of Catholics wanted to kill the King and other Protestants at the state opening of Parliament on 5th November 1605. They wanted to make James’ daughter, Elizabeth, queen.
Who was the leader of the Gunpowder Plotters?
Robert Catesby.
How many plotters were there and what was the name of the one who had to put the barrels of gunpowder beneath parliament?
There were 13 and Guy Fawkes.
How many barrels of gunpowder were used?
36 barrels.
Who received an anonymous letter and what did it say?
Lord Monteagle on 30th October 1605.
In this, it told him not to attend the opening of Parliament.
Who did Lord Monteagle give the letter to?
This was sent to Robert Cecil - King James’ spymaster.
What did Cecil then do?
He ordered for Parliament to be searched, where the gunpowder barrels and Guy Fawkes was discovered.
What happened on 5th November?
Fawkes and his friends were tortured until they gave up the names of their fellow conspirators and confessed to their crimes.
How were the plotters punished?
They were tried and found guilty of high treason in January 1606. They were then publicly hanged, drawn and quartered.
Why was their punishment so harsh?
- Time of political unrest
- Gravity of crime - treason
- Threatened the government
